The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-01
SAD p,sAsTER ON THE p. r. R.


NuniD8F SERIOUSLY ttJ0s O<4s
prrrsnuReH, May %, 1857 The accident
which happened on the Pennsylvania Rail-
road near the Horse Shoe curve last night
was the most appalling that has occurred on
any railroad ccntraing in this city for years
past
The list ef killed has increased. and this
morning II was reported that eight persons
had died, and that several Of the injured were
in a prscarious condition.
The accident was one of the most peculiar
that ever occurred on a railroad. The FAST
Line express which is due in Pittsburgh at
1i:55 p M, was just approaching the Horse
shoe curve from the East. II consisted OF a
baggage car, smoker. two passenger coaches
and two Pullman sleeping cars, and was
drawn by two engines.
Il was shortly after o'clock when the
train commenced to ascend the steep grade.
Daylight had scarcely disappeared and the
passengers were ON the alert to catch a
glimpse of the celebrated Horseshoe Bend.
Far up on the curve an east-bound freight
train was vending down the steep noun
tain side. The brakes had all been set, and
If was only running at moderate rate OF
speed The engine and ten Of the freight
cars had passed a portion of the fast line,
when suddenly a creaking. crashing sound
startled the passengers. The same instant a
large-sized freight car loaded with coal crash
ed into the first passenger coach. The COM
bins3 speed of the Fast Line and the freight,
and the down grade of the curve caused the
coal car 10 crush the frazier passenger coach
under il as easily as if il had been a paper
box The force of the express caused the
rear passenger coach TO crash into the coal
car for distance of twenty feet
The scene was frightiul One passenger
coach and its load of human beings was held
underneath the huge coal car, while the
coach back of il was crushed and squeezed
up among the debris. A scene of the most
intense excitement ensued for a few mo-
ments, but soon after those who had escaped
uniniured realized the situation and showed
wonderful selfpossessi0u in devoting their
efforts to looking after the injured many OF
whom were dying
In the front passenger coach frighifnl
under the crushed seats. One OF tAem was
Dale Il. Graham, of this city. One passenger
who was held a prisoner in the debris under
meath the coal ear, implored those around
1.t
cured and the coal ear was partially raised.
The man was released, and, although seri-
ously injured, was able to limp away. The
dead and injured were removed from the
wreck and everything possible done for the
wounded, awaiting the arrival of physicians
from Altoona.
The cars that were most damaged were the
Two passenger coaches The sleeping cars
were but slightly damaged one ofthem hav-
ing the steps torn away. The rear end Of the
smoker was crushed in.
Word was sent al once TO Altoona and at
$40 a special train left for the scene of the
accident 1t contained Superintendent Hut
crimson, Train Master Snyder. and the fol-
lowing medical staff: Dr. John Fay, DIR.
John T. Christy, DR.. 5. NJ. Ross, Dr. W. 5.
Ross, Dr. H. Jacobs DIR. ID. W Crosthwaite,
Superintendent Robinson. of the Altoona
Hospital, and a number of nurses 1t was
followed by the wrecking train The injur-
ed were placed in one of the sleepers where
they received medical attention. At mid
night the rear coaches of the train, which
We're but slightly injured, were run to Al
toona Two Of the Injured were taken TO the
Altoona Hospital and the Others To the Lo-
gan House Four of the dead bodies were
taken to the undertaking rooms of Upton &
I.aiferty, and two to that of Nail & Arthur.
A train was then made up and the uninjured
passengers were brought TO Pittsburgh ar
irving here at O'Clock this morning
a List or THE KILLED AND INJURED.
DALEB b. GRAHAM, son of ex-speaker Gra-
ham OF Allegheny, killed instantly
WEYMER Y. SNYDER, shamokin, Pa,
wearing wooden leg Found lying dead in
ditch by roadside, mangled TO death lie
got on the train al Altoona Papers found
on his person indicated that he is a mem
Der L. O. :. of A.
JOHN DORIS, of East Liberty, Pittsburgh,
Pa Left leg dismembered six inches be
low hip. Died half an hour after rescued
from wreck
J. II. STAUFFER. Of Louisville, Ohio
CHAS z. MoRRELL, residing at No. IS
Fifty-third street, New York City; travels
for Emir Cracker Works, Philadelphia
fatally iniured jaw broken, right cheek
laid open and eye forced from socket died
after being brought 10 the city
CHARLES BIEDLEMAN, of Brinsiiels, No
Bile county, Ind. an aged gentleman; skull
fractured and terribly injured about the
body died after being brought to the city.
INJURED.
GEORGE II. PAGLEs night ticket agen, at
the Union Station, Columbus, o. Slightly
hurt about the head and right leg severe
nervous shock.
A. AGEN, of Fayetteville, y. Y, head cut
slightly and right side injured
MISS CLARA ALBERT, of Flint, Mich,
confusion of right wrist and wound above
left eve. Not serious
HATTIE LUCKETT. icolorel). OF Alexan-
dria, Va. compound fracture, right leg,
head cut and bruised about the body. VIII
probably recover.
REV. r. H. PORTER, eolored pastor OF
Second Baptist Church, Detroit. Mich, ac-
companied by Luekett. also colored inju-
ries are incision of lefi cheek and bruises
TO right leg.
EDITH GIESE, eleven years old, travelling
with her neither from Chicago slightly
bruised and prostrated by the shock.
MRS. GlESE, of Chicago, mother of Edith !:
caught between the timbcrs, but only
slightly scratched about the face
REV. JOHN Afford. of Beaver Falls, Pa:
slightly injured.
BAGGAGEMASTERW WILLIAM B. MOORE
Williamsburg, slightly cut on head; was
thrown ont of passenger coach.